Matt Hollinshead: Klinsmann brings hope, new direction to U.S. men's national soccer team

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is approaching fast. Unlike the previous couple of tournaments, I have reason to believe that the outlook for the United States men's national soccer team will be brighter: New blood, new voice and new direction. His name is Jürgen Klinsmann.

Klinsmann is known for making controversial decisions and statements that somehow result in what teams desire: Victories, especially the significant ones.

From July 2004 to July 2006, Klinsmann coached the German national team. Klinsmann, from Germany himself, was known for frequently rotating goalkeepers. It was controversial, but it ended up working. Klinsmann also opted for a younger and more aggressive roster. Being an offensive-minded coach, his intentions were solely based on performance and results.

By the 2006 World Cup, it seemed to pay off.

Germany opened their Group A schedule with three straight wins against Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador. From there, Germany beat Sweden in a knockout stage and tied with Argentina 1-1 (Germany won 4-2 on penalty kicks). Despite their 2-0 semifinal loss to eventual World Cup champion Italy, Deutschland believed. They believed in Klinsmann's attacking style of play.

Surprisingly, Klinsmann declined to renew his contact a week after the semifinals. Klinsmann cited family as his reason for leaving. He won 20 games, lost 6 and finished with 8 draws.

After a nine-month tenure with Bayern Munich (July 2008 - April 2009, finishing with 25 wins, 10 losses and 9 draws), Klinsmann took command of the U.S. team in August 2011.

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At first, I was skeptical. Former coach Bob Bradley didn't deliver quality results, and neither did Klinsmann in his first six matches in charge. Klinsmann started 1-1-4 and was criticized for making poor coaching decisions from the sideline. While 1-0 victories against Italy and Mexico in 2012 were significant, the real turning point was still to come.

In March 2013, Klinsmann bashed his players during a press conference for their inconsistent play during that part of his tenure. Not surprisingly, he generated a media firestorm at a bad time. It was right before the U.S.'s World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.

It was a snowy, frigid night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. (home of MLS' Colorado Rapids). The United States felt the pressure to win. Not only were their FIFA hopes on the line, but Klinsmann's job security was in trouble.

Clint Dempsey scored the only goal to lead the Americans to a 1-0 win.

Later on, Klinsmann defeated his former German team, 4-3. Soon after, the U.S. defeated Panama 1-0 to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The United States then secured a World Cup berth with a 2-0 win over their rivals across the border, Mexico.

Klinsmann had instilled a new identity in U.S. men's soccer. Just like Germany, Klinsmann has the U.S. playing with aggression and undeniable passion.

Then, Klinsmann was again the target of more controversy last month. U.S. fan favorite Landon Donovan was left off the 2014 World Cup roster. Americans were upset, and understandably so.

But think about it: Klinsmann values slightly younger rosters and makes decisions based on production. Donovan is 32-year-old and now exiting his prime. Seeing him on tape, Donovan isn't the player he was four or five years ago.

Klinsmann wants guys who are fresh and can thrive right now, such as 24-year-old striker Jozy Altidore.

Given Klinsmann's history of turning seemingly unfavorable situations into beneficial ones, I'm hopeful. That, combined with Klinsmann's coaching style, makes me excited for this year's World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. starts World Cup play next Monday against Ghana.

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